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Detert drives home need for ban on texting while driving

A Venice High School student uses a AAA Motor Club simulator Tuesday to see how her driving performance changes while texting.

SNN Local News

Published: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 8:06 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 8:06 p.m.

By SHELBY WEBB

shelby.webb@heraldtribune.com

VENICE — On the day that Florida's first ban on texting while driving went into effect, the bill's author — with some high-tech assistance — made the case to students about why it can save their lives.

State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, told about 20 Venice High School students that she expects them to be leaders in complying with the new law.

“I don't think it'll take these bright kids very long to adopt the habit of not texting and driving,” Detert said. She said they first were able “to adapt to getting in a car and putting on their seat belt first thing.”

For students who needed extra persuasion, Detert came with a simulated driving machine. Students plugged their phones into the machine — which sent them text messages they were directed to respond to — while using a steering wheel to propel the fake car down a simulated obstacle course.

The texting-while-driving simulator, provided by the AAA Motor Club, showed students how their driving performance changed when they used their cell phones in the fake car.

Distracted students struck a deer and pedestrians in the simulator. Only one student completely ignored his cell phone and emerged from the simulation without an accident.

While the driving test was graphic, students said Detert's reflections on the new law also was compelling.

Cassie Kasmirski, 17, a senior, said Detert's explanation of why the bill was important and how many lives could be saved as a result helped her realize just how dangerous texting behind the wheel can be.

While Cassie said she has sent text messages while driving, she will make a deliberate effort not to pick up her phone again while she is behind the wheel.

Detert worked for four years to get the law passed, gaining key support from another local legislator, Rep. Doug Holder, R-Venice.

Venice High School Principal Jack Turgeon said the new penalty will make students think twice before texting in the car. The more students and parents hear about the new texting law and the dangers of using cell phones on the road, Turgeon said, the less likely they will use such devices behind the wheel.

“Parents don't realize how prevalent it is,” Turgeon said. “But now it's not just that a student's mom or their principal said don't text and drive. Now they can get a ticket or points on their license.”

<p>By SHELBY WEBB</p><p>shelby.webb@heraldtribune.com</p><p>VENICE — On the day that Florida's first ban on texting while driving went into effect, the bill's author — with some high-tech assistance — made the case to students about why it can save their lives.</p><p>State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, told about 20 Venice High School students that she expects them to be leaders in complying with the new law.</p><p>“I don't think it'll take these bright kids very long to adopt the habit of not texting and driving,” Detert said. She said they first were able “to adapt to getting in a car and putting on their seat belt first thing.”</p><p>For students who needed extra persuasion, Detert came with a simulated driving machine. Students plugged their phones into the machine — which sent them text messages they were directed to respond to — while using a steering wheel to propel the fake car down a simulated obstacle course.</p><p>The texting-while-driving simulator, provided by the AAA Motor Club, showed students how their driving performance changed when they used their cell phones in the fake car.</p><p>Distracted students struck a deer and pedestrians in the simulator. Only one student completely ignored his cell phone and emerged from the simulation without an accident.</p><p>While the driving test was graphic, students said Detert's reflections on the new law also was compelling.</p><p>Cassie Kasmirski, 17, a senior, said Detert's explanation of why the bill was important and how many lives could be saved as a result helped her realize just how dangerous texting behind the wheel can be.</p><p>While Cassie said she has sent text messages while driving, she will make a deliberate effort not to pick up her phone again while she is behind the wheel.</p><p>“I'll definitely try my best not to,” Kasmirski said. “But like anything, it's hard to break a bad habit.”</p><p>Detert worked for four years to get the law passed, gaining key support from another local legislator, Rep. Doug Holder, R-Venice.</p><p>Venice High School Principal Jack Turgeon said the new penalty will make students think twice before texting in the car. The more students and parents hear about the new texting law and the dangers of using cell phones on the road, Turgeon said, the less likely they will use such devices behind the wheel.</p><p>“Parents don't realize how prevalent it is,” Turgeon said. “But now it's not just that a student's mom or their principal said don't text and drive. Now they can get a ticket or points on their license.”</p>